Trail Fees & Booking Guide
Everything you need to know about Madeira's trail fee system, how to book permits, and what changes are coming in 2026.
Last updated:
Planning for 2026?
For the latest official access conditions (including time-slot reservations in SIMplifica), use our living guide.
2025 Trail Fee: check the price in SIMplifica
Since January 1, 2025, many classified walking routes in Madeira require a paid permit. Prices and rules can vary by route, date, and visitor type, so always confirm the current requirements in SIMplifica and official IFCN guidance before you go.
Book on SimplificaHow to Book Your Trail Permit
- 1
Visit Simplifica Platform
Go to simplifica.madeira.gov.pt and create an account or log in.
- 2
Select Your Trail & Date
Choose the route you want to hike and select your date. Some routes may require booking/payment in advance, so follow the instructions shown in SIMplifica.
- 3
Pay the Fee Shown
Complete payment online for the selected route/date. The price shown in SIMplifica is the amount you need to pay for that booking.
- 4
Download Your Permit
Save or screenshot your permit. You may be asked to show it at trail entrances or during checks.
Exempt from Fees
- • Madeira residents (with valid ID)
- • Duly identified guides do not pay
- • Other exemptions may exist depending on the official rules for the route/date
Fee Required
- • Most non-resident visitors on classified routes
- • Each route requires its own fee/proof
- • The fee applies per day you hike
- • IFCN operators may verify proof of payment
Guided Tours: Who Pays?
IFCN describes two common cases for hikes accompanied by a guide representing an economic operator.
- Operator with protocol: the operator can handle payment to IFCN on behalf of participants and the guide should carry proof for that day and route.
- Operator without protocol: each participant must pay in advance and carry proof for that day and route.
Coming in 2026: Reservation System
Official access conditions for 2026 can evolve. Visit Madeira describes mandatory reservations in SIMplifica with 30-minute entry slots. For the latest source-backed details and links, use our 2026 rules guide.
Which Trails Require Fees?
Fee requirements depend on whether a route is classified and the current rules for that route/date. In our directory, each trail page shows whether a fee is typically required, but always confirm the final requirement in SIMplifica.
Important Notes
- • Fees support trail maintenance and conservation efforts
- • Random checks may occur - always carry your permit
- • Fines may apply for hiking without a valid permit
- • Weather cancellations may allow permit rescheduling
Primary Sources
- SIMplifica portal (official booking/payment)
- IFCN FAQ: Fees for Classified Walking Routes
- Visit Madeira: Notice to walkers + Current State map
Changelog
- • 2025-12-18: Added primary sources and clarified guided tour payment cases.